Pine Creek Slot Canyon
- A slot canyon is a narrow canyon that is formed from water rushing through rock. What starts off as a tiny crack steadily grows larger from repeat flash floods and erosion over millions of years. The end result is a narrow canyon with very high walls. Slot canyons can be several meters wide or just one foot wide.
- The Canyon Overlook trail wanders above the Pine Creek slot canyon, through beautiful green, shady alcoves, and over bare slickrock before it finally opens up to the edge of a cliff we call the Overlook.
- Pine Creek is a straight-forward, well-traveled canyon, and it happened to be bone dry, which eliminated the risks that come with cold water. We parked our car at the canyon exit, grabbed our gear, and stuck our thumbs out along with an 8.5’x11” homemade “Pine Creek Canyon” sign. Friendly wildland firefighters picked us up in their.
- This was the first canyoneering experience for a couple people in our little group. Although, we are all experienced with rock climbing and belaying.
Pine Creek in Zion National Park forms a slot canyon that runs parallel to Utah State Highway 9 in the gorge below Mount Carmel Tunnel. Tourists gaze across the canyon daily, often unaware that the thin, dark crevice below is a glimpse into an entirely different world.
If you find yourself at the Overlook Hike, then you are right where you need to be to find the Pine Creek trail. This trail is NOT clearly marked in any way. The trail head is located in the parking lot right as you exit the tunnel.
There is a sign to follow the path under the road/bridge. You will be able to see somewhat of a trail. Follow that down into the slot canyon. Small children will need help down but I think they would have fun exploring the canyon.
Once you are down, head to the right. The trail is passible for about 15 minutes, after that you really need some equipment and ropes to go any further, but if you have a short amount of time and want to see some pretty slot canyons, this is a great little hike.